Washing machine clutch system and method of use

• Main Authors: MC CONNELL KENNETH L, VAN NORDEN RUSSELL L, BRAUNSCHWEIG JAMES R, PARSONS THOMAS J, STORMO GUY C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 13.10.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; LAUNDERING; LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILEARTICLES; TEXTILES; TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE

A clutch system for a washing machine having a spin tub, a centrally located agitator system, and a motor provided to drive the spin tub and agitator system. The clutch system has a housing and a spinner support operably engaged in the housing. The clutch system also has a delay body which is movable between a rest position and a taut position. The clutch system also has a first one-way clutch permitting relative rotation between the spinner support in the housing and enabling the agitation mode without the spin tub moving. The clutch system having a second one-way clutch connecting the spinner support to the housing with the intermediate delay body whereby the agitator is moved backward partially and then the spin mode enabled without engagement of the centrally located agitator system.